The Best Programmable Home Thermostat: Reviews & Buyer's Guide

With Regard to Your Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning Unit

Finding a programmable thermostat that works with your heating and cooling system should be your top concern. It is important to examine the thermostat's specifications to make sure it will operate with your heating and cooling system because not all thermostats are universally compatible. If you have a forced air central heating and cooling system, you can use any programmable thermostat; if you have a radiant heating system, however, you will need to choose a thermostat that is compatible with radiant heating.

Formats for Computer Code

Programmable thermostats can be set to a variety of temperatures and schedules. The simplest form of this is a 7-day programming option, which allows you to choose a different schedule for each day of the week. Different models may or may not provide supplementary scheduling options, such as 5-2 scheduling (which features split workweeks and weekend plans) or even weekly scheduling. Consider the many viewing options and how they would fit into your daily routine. If your daily schedule never changes, a basic 7-day scheduling option may be all you need. You may need a more flexible programming option, though, if your weekday schedule frequently shifts.

Consumer Feelings

Consider the user interface of the thermostat you're considering purchasing. The thermostat's interface should be straightforward, allowing for quick and easy temperature programming and regulation. Some thermostats just have a touchscreen interface, while others also include buttons.
Consider the features you value in a user interface and how easy you find them to use. The legibility and size of the screen must also be considered.

Energy-Sparing Features

One of the key benefits of a programmable thermostat is that it can automatically adjust the temperature to save energy based on your schedule. Look for energy-saving features like smart setback (which automatically changes the temperature based on whether you are home or away) and adaptive recovery (which learns how long it takes to reach your goal temperature and adapts appropriately).
Some thermostats may also offer maintenance alerts or reminders for when the filter needs replacing.

Connectivity

The temperature in your home can be adjusted from anywhere with the help of a smartphone app and a modern programmable thermostat. It's a great choice for when you'll be gone for a while and want to come home to a comfortable house. Think about the thermostat's connectivity features and whether or not you'd actually use them. It's possible that voice assistants like Google Home or Amazon Alexa might be integrated with certain thermostat models.

Price

The price of a programmable thermostat is another factor to think about. The cost of a thermostat can vary widely, depending on its capabilities and features. More complex models can cost several hundred dollars, but you can get started with one for under $30.

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7-day programmable thermostats

This type of thermostat allows you to set a different schedule for each day of the week. This is a good option if you have a different routine on weekdays compared to weekends.

5-2 programmable thermostats

With a 5-2 programmable thermostat, you can set a separate schedule for weekdays and weekends. This is a good option if you have a consistent routine during the week and a different routine on weekends.

5-1-1 programmable thermostats

This type of thermostat allows you to set a schedule for weekdays and a different schedule for Saturday and Sunday. This is a good option if you have a consistent routine during the week but a different routine on Saturdays and Sundays.

1-week programmable thermostats

A 1-week programmable thermostat allows you to set a schedule for the entire week. This is a good option if you have a consistent routine throughout the week.

Smart thermostats

Smart thermostats are the most advanced type of programmable thermostat. They use sensors and algorithms to learn your schedule and adjust the temperature accordingly. They can also be controlled remotely via a smartphone app and are often compatible with voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

Learning thermostats

Learning thermostats are similar to smart thermostats in that they learn your schedule and adjust the temperature accordingly. However, they also learn your preferred temperature settings and adjust the temperature based on your preferences.

Wi-Fi thermostats

Wi-Fi thermostats connect to your home's Wi-Fi network and can be controlled remotely via a smartphone app. They also often come with additional features such as energy usage reports and maintenance alerts.

Touchscreen thermostats

Touchscreen thermostats have a touchscreen display that allows you to easily adjust the temperature and set schedules.

Think about how much you can spend and what features are must-haves before making a final decision on a thermostat. A more expensive model may have fancier extras, but those extras may not be necessary for your purposes. Therefore, a programmable thermostat is an excellent means through which to both reduce utility costs and improve indoor comfort.